Digital Commons Network^™

Constructions Of Pertenencia Fluyente: Latinx Religious Placemaking Beyond Community & Belonging In The Midwest U.S., Karla García

Tapestries: Interwoven voices of local and global identities

How has the Latinx diaspora utilized the Catholic Church as a space to construct an environment of “home”? To answer this question, I draw upon five semi-structured ethnographic interviews conducted with parish members and leadership at the shared parish of San Miguel Arcángel, situated in the Upper Midwest. Understanding that community exists partly due to parish members' distinct methods of community cultivation over the last twenty years, I question if belonging inherently follows. Analysis of interview responses shows that community, belonging, and tensions coexist within the parish. Puerto Rican scholar Felix Padilla’s 1985 study utilizes the term “situational identity,” while …

Sankofa In Action: Reclaiming Our Future, Adisa Preston

Tapestries: Interwoven voices of local and global identities

Pan-Africanism has been one of the responses to the systematic and brutal efforts by colonial powers to negate the worth and humanity of African peoples. Emerging in the Caribbean and the United States in the 19th-century, it flowered with the independence movements of the 20th. Historian Kwame Anthony Appiah defines Pan-Africanism as “a political project calling for the unification of all Africans into a single African state to which those in the African diaspora can return” (Appiah 1992, 174).

Pan-Africanism sought to heal the catastrophic ruptures of slavery, throw off the shackles of colonialism, and to fight the racist ideologies …

Vaccines On The Move And The War On Polio, Laura Muñoz-Blanc, Federico Fabio Frattini

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei Working Papers

The rising number of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) presents new challenges for vaccine distribution and the spread of diseases. How do forcibly displaced population inflows affect infectious diseases incidence in host communities? Can a policy intervention that vaccinates children during their migration mitigate the impacts? To answer these questions, we examine the Pakistani mass internal displacement from the conflict-affected Federally Administered Tribal Areas in 2008. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compare new polio cases in districts near and far from the conflict zone before and after 2008. The spatial distribution of districts relative to the historical region of …

Learning Spanish As A Second Language: How Instruction Differs For Spanish In Middle And High School, Megan Lenza

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Although many research articles focus on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) at the university level, few focus on SLA at the middle and high school developmental levels. Nevertheless, in the US, most students begin learning another language at these levels, and it is helpful to determine key factors for enhancing language learning. This project aims to study how the factors of target language (the language of instruction), context (exposure and environment of learning), and technology can promote SLA at the middle and high school levels. In this study, student SLA refers to the process and development of a Spanish as a …

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder In The Outpatient Indigenous Health Clinic Setting, Kylie M. Timmerman

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Alcohol use disorder disproportionately impacts American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations at higher rates of disease morbidity and mortality. In the primary care setting, few treatment resources are available to patients outside of medication-only options.

Local Problem: While the intervention site (rural Tribal Federally Qualified Health Center [FQHC]) was known to have a well-established medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opiate use disorder (OUD), the was a need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) resources.

Methods: A review of current evidence was conducted to explore best practices for addressing AUD in the AIAN outpatient clinic setting.

Intervention(s): A quality improvement …

Advanced Models For Linking Process In Data Washing Machine, Bushra Sajid

Theses and Dissertations

Entity Resolution (ER) is a critical process in data integration and quality improvement that identifies and links multiple records referring to the same real-world entity. As data volumes and heterogeneity increase, traditional ER methods face new challenges, prompting research into more advanced techniques. The Proof-of-Concept Data Washing Machine (DWM), developed under the NSF DART Data Life Cycle and Curation research theme, aims to automatically detect and correct data quality errors through unsupervised entity resolution. Recent research focuses on enhancing DWM's effectiveness by replacing rule-based methods with machine learning and deep learning approaches, particularly in the linking process. Deep learning models, …

Educators’ Perceptions Of World Language Curriculum Models, Curriculum Coherence, And Student Learning In New Jersey High School Spanish Programs, Thomas David Pratz

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods explanatory sequential study aimed to identify the most commonly used World Language curriculum models in New Jersey high schools, assess the level of curriculum coherence in Spanish programs, and examine their impact on student learning. Surveys and interviews with high school Spanish teachers revealed that, while theoretical curriculum coherence exists in most programs, it is not significantly associated with teacher or district characteristics such as experience, tenure, region, or type. A disconnect was also observed between the World Language curriculum models, perceived curriculum coherence levels, and their effects on student learning. Several themes that emerged from the qualitative …

The Shaky Democratic Legitimacy Of Cosmopolitan Law And Its Destiny In Times Of Crisis, Sergio Dellavalle

Buffalo Law Review

From its earliest introduction in 1795, the notion of cosmopolitan law has made a long way, to finally become an established reference point in the legal discourse. Nonetheless, the concept still raises four fundamental questions. The first focuses on how it has been developed and which were the fundamental authors and theoretical steps that characterized the emergence of this notion. The second and most essential question refers to the meaning of cosmopolitan law by focusing on what characterizes the legal norms that we call cosmopolitan as well as on what distinguishes them from the broader field of traditional international law. …

Msw Portfolio, Daisy Marie Sells Alexander

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

MSW Portfolio

Effects Of Mastery Criterion On Response Maintenance, Sydney Mcfall

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized as having at least two deficits in areas of functioning such as impaired language development, impaired social development, and the presence of excessive or stereotyped repetitive behaviors or interests (Granpeesheh et. al., 2009). Early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) is an evidence-based practice for remediating deficits in individuals with ASD (Love et. al., 2008). One important component of intensive intervention is defining the mastery criterion, or the point at which a skill has been learned to a sufficient level that allows for maintenance. Mastery criterion is necessary to progress intervention targets on a rapid …

Eleven Are The Stars Of Joseph’S Dream; His Coat, Many Colors, Alexander B. Bloom

Capstones

At the Conservative synagogue where I attended Saturday school for part of my childhood in the 90s I recall the teachers’ reimagination of the popular Michael Jackson song “We Are the World,” taught to the seven and eight year-olds who were made to sing it in chorus at some holiday celebration that year.

“We are the Jews,” we bleated out, in concert, “We are the Chosen.”

From my place among them I remember the unsettled feeling I had, to consider my non-Jewish friends at school, teachers and babysitters who knew not of tefillin, my maternal grandparents in the pews of …

La Creatividad En Peligro: Como La Inteligencia Artificial Es Un Reto Para Los Artistas., Nathaly Cisneros

Capstones

Los artistas digitales han creado obras maestras que nos han dejado sin aliento con sus pinceles digitales, lápices y pinturas. Desde retratos que parecen saltar de la pantalla hasta paisajes que nos transportan a mundos desconocidos, su arte ha sido una fuente constante de inspiración.

Pero en los últimos años, una nueva fuerza ha comenzado a cambiar el juego. La inteligencia artificial ha estado avanzando a pasos agigantados y ahora se perfila como una amenaza para el futuro de los artistas digitales. ¿Qué significa esto para el arte y la creatividad?

Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xe8UxDMekX_SwiIppyt_JppK8M-lB-YWNWGyeyShlJM/edit?usp=sharing

Contributing Factors To Tooth Decay And Dental Caries Among Children In California, Rawan Al Obaidi

Master's Projects and Capstones

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent oral diseases affecting children from low-income families in California. This literature review examines the contributing factors to ECC, including race, socioeconomic status, parental education, and access to dental care using multiple databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. The review highlights significant disparities among ethnic minority groups with higher rates of untreated caries observed in Hispanic, African American, and Asian children. Many interventions such as community-based programs and educational initiatives for healthcare providers and parents have been effective in reducing the prevalence of ECC and improving oral health outcomes among these …

Healing Words: The Power Of Patient-Centered Communication In Bedside Reports, Sin Yee Lai

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective In the healthcare setting, using language that is not patient-centered can result in lower patient satisfaction, increased miscommunication, and heightened anxiety for patients. Hospital A currently lacks education on the use of patient-centered language within the peripartum mesosystem, despite being required to conduct bedside reports. Hospital A is an urban tertiary hospital in San Francisco, whose peripartum mesosystem is divided into two levels with a total of 35 beds. Aim The project aimed to increase patient satisfaction by implementing patient-centered language during bedside reports for peripartum nurses from 70% to 80% during labor and delivery (L&D) to postpartum (PP) …

Redefining Bedside Communication: Patient-Centered Language In Peripartum Care, Brasheed Ganjeh

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective The lack of patient-centered language can lead to miscommunication between nurses and patients, decreased patient satisfaction, and increased patient anxiety. Hospital A has been given a regional mandate to conduct nursing reports at the bedside, but the peripartum microsystem lacks educational resources on the use of patient-centered language during transfers from labor and delivery (L&D) to postpartum (PP). Aim The QI project aims to increase patient satisfaction from 70% to 80% through nurse utilization of patient-centered language during bedside reports when transferring patients from L&D to PP between October 28 to November 15. Methods A patient-centered language guide was …

Optimizing Peripartum Bedside Reports Through Patient-Centered Communication, Harpreet Kaur

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background Effective patient-centered communication (PCC) during bedside shift reports (BSR) is crucial in peripartum care, where patients face physical recovery and emotional adjustment. However, communication gaps during transitions from labor and delivery (L&D) to postpartum (PP) units can lead to patient dissatisfaction and misinterpretation of care instructions. Hospital A, an urban tertiary care medical center in San Francisco, operates a peripartum mesosystem across two floors with 35 dedicated beds. Aim The project aims to increase patient satisfaction by implementing patient-centered language in bedside reports for peripartum units from 70% to 80% for a three-week period. Methods Stakeholder engagement, a …

Travel English For Japanese Third Age Learners: A Communicative Model, Yoshiko Okamura

Master's Projects and Capstones

The goal of this curriculum project is to effectively develop the English communicative skills of a small group of Japanese third age English language learners. The term, third age learners (TALs), represents learners who are generally in their mid-60s through early 80s, retired, healthy, active, and motivated to learn something new. When it comes to English language learning strategies, one size does not fit all. An effective curriculum must be built on the theories and approaches that fit the specific needs of the target learners. The first three chapters of this project report describe the theories, approaches, and methods applied …

Connecting Through Screens: A Case Study On Student Engagement In Online Esol Classes In The Post Pandemic Era, Meral Kacar

Master's Theses

The sudden shift to emergency online education during the global pandemic affected various academic fields, including English language teaching. While many schools faced challenges, some successfully implemented online educational programs. Despite the large impact of the global pandemic on education, there is limited research that examines the effectiveness of online ESOL programs with a focus on the key factors that contribute to student engagement. This thesis explores the factors contributing to effective online ESOL instruction, focusing on fostering engagement and improving teaching practices in the post-pandemic era. The study for this thesis employs an instrumental case study methodology, focusing on …

Understanding The Correlation Between Socioeconomic Status And Student Achievement Amongst High School Students In Rural Mississippi, Aiesha L. Brooks-Hodges

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and student achievement among high school students in rural Mississippi. By using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data from the Mississippi Department of Education’s Accountability Report Card with qualitative data from student surveys and teacher interviews, this paper explores how SES factors such as parental income and education affect academic outcomes in rural settings. The study highlights the significant disparities between low-SES and high-SES students in terms of standardized test scores, graduation rates, and access to educational resources. The findings suggest that addressing these disparities will require targeted interventions at …

Development And Changes Over Time Of A Granola Bar Formulated With Sweet Potatoes, Meredith Kate Maynard

Theses and Dissertations

Sweet potatoes are a worldwide staple crop and granola bars are popular with consumers. This study aims to create a granola bar utilizing sweet potatoes and to assess its changes over time. Initial formulations tested minimum and maximum concentration of sweet potato (SP) puree, formulations, cooking type and time/temperature, humectants and preservatives. Bars containing 30 and 45% SP butter were chosen. Changes over time and descriptive sensory evaluation were conducted every 14d for 70d, with four treatments: a control bar and a bar with a preservative, each held at 25°C and 47°C. Water activity and moisture decreased by 0.05 and …

Determining The Impact Of Incorporating National Board Standards During Pre-Service Experiences On Teacher Success, Future National Board Certification, Student Growth, And Teacher Retention., Michelle Leigh Stubbs

Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the critical issue of teacher attrition and retention by incorporating National Board standards into pre-service teacher preparation programs. Nationwide, school districts face significant shortages of qualified teachers, particularly in mathematics, science, and special education. Research reveals that the Southern region of the United States experiences the highest attrition rates (Ingersoll et al., 2018). An analysis of data indicates that the key issues contributing to teacher attrition and retention include stress from high-stakes testing, salary deficits, and inconsistent support. States have the autonomy to address teacher retention issues and allocate federal funds for these initiatives such as high-quality …

Constructing The Communal Body: Literary Topographies Of Underclass And Working-Class Neighborhoods In Modern Osaka (1933-1960), Ran Wei

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

When literary scholars examine narratives about Osaka, they have largely focused on the relationship between Osaka and Tokyo or the representations of Osaka in the national imagination. The approach tends to neglect the role that minority groups play in creating Osaka as a city of local cosmopolitanism. Centering on how Osaka writers have represented four underclass and working-class neighborhoods in the city, this dissertation scrutinizes how the narratives complicate the images of Osaka constructed by the national government and challenge the official narrative of a homogeneous Japan. Despite Osaka’s changing position within the nation-state, its importance as a home for …

Is Home Environment Predictive Of Early Grammar Development?, Michelle White, Frenette Southwood

School of Psychology

Research shows that children’s home environment (e.g., the composition of their householdand the resources available in it) has an impact on children’s language development.However, this research has mostly been conducted among English speakers from theminority world and has often only considered vocabulary size. This exploratory studyinvestigated whether home environment factors are predictive of grammar development inAfrikaans-speaking (n = 117) and English-speaking (n = 102) toddlers in South Africa.Moreover, potential differences between these two language groups were explored. Resultsshowed that home environment factors pertaining to family stability predicted two of thethree grammar scores, namely total grammar and complex phrases. Cluster analysis …

Envisioning A Yeats Poetry Digital Archive, Rob Doggett

International Yeats Studies

No abstract provided.

“Man Is Nothing Till He Is United To An Image”: On Truth, Lies, And The Nietzschean Mask In Yeats’S The Player Queen, Adam Roberts

International Yeats Studies

No abstract provided.

Translation As A Tool For Interpretation: Hebrew-Language Translations Of Yeats’S “The Second Coming”, Irina Ruppo

International Yeats Studies

No abstract provided.

Prostate Cancer Screening Survey Among African-American And Their Partners, Angela James

Dissertations

The purpose of this translational research project was to survey adult African-Americans and their partners to explore inhibitors and facilitators to PC screening.

Aboard The Giant Clam: Ramon Muzones's Maritime Historicization Of The Nation, Winton Lou G. Ynion

Kritika Kultura

Philippine literature scholarship is currently interested in decentering the discourse of nation-building from the capital to the periphery, but least often is attention given to the very geography that makes these communities marginalized. Habitually, multiculturalism and multilingualism have been convenient explanations for why it is difficult for the Philippines to come up with a “national literature” and a paradigm for imagining a nation. This essay centers on this neglected aspect, casting a novel written by a marginalized author in a vernacular language – the Margosatubig (1946) by Ramon Muzones. Three prime objectives guided the navigation of this paper: (1) to …

People Power As Immanent Collectivity: Re-Imagining The Miracle Of The 1986 Edsa Revolution As Divine Justice, Fernando Gonzaga

Kritika Kultura

The Philippine People Power Revolution (EDSA) was remarkable for its non-aggressive overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship. The spontaneity and creativity of the people to answer the summons to defend dissonant army troops contrasts with the administrative efficiency and armed might of the military army. The people acted as a collectivity, with its own collective power, opposing the military. This non-aggressive collective power was rooted in a distinctive Filipino culture and religiosity that hailed the EDSA Revolution as a miracle of divine justice.

Training For Learner-Centered Pedagogy And Curriculum Design Agendain Staff Development For Problem-Based Learning (Pbl), Peter Freebody

Kritika Kultura

No abstract provided.